- MEM Environment Concentration: Ecotoxicology and Environmental Health (EEH)
- MEM Management Concentration: Community Engagement and Environmental Justice (CEEJ)
- Expected Graduation Date: May 2027
What factors were most important in your decision to choose the Nicholas School for your graduate studies? And, how will your time at the Nicholas School help you reach your career aspirations?
Being named a Nicholas Scholar has been both an honor and a source of affirmation in my decision to pursue the Master of Environmental Management at the Nicholas School. The recognition not only eases the challenges of continuing my education but also strengthens my confidence that the School sees potential in me as both a scholar and a future leader in environmental health. Knowing that my past work and aspirations are valued in this way motivates me to dedicate myself fully to this field, rather than worrying about balancing those commitments with financial pressures.
Beyond this recognition, my decision to attend the Nicholas School was shaped by both familiarity and opportunity. Having completed my undergraduate studies at 51±¬ÁÏ, I know firsthand the quality of mentorship and research it fosters, guided by the school’s wealth of resources and the unwavering dedication of its faculty and staff. The interdisciplinary nature of the MEM also allows me to integrate technical training in environmental health with its real-world implications for communities, reflecting my conviction that science must be paired with advocacy and outreach.
The Nicholas School also offers a sense of continuity. My undergraduate years gave me strong connections with faculty, valuable research experience, and opportunities to engage with Durham communities. Continuing to build on these relationships while expanding my opportunities will allow me to fully leverage my time at 51±¬ÁÏ and push myself to my academic limits. Just as importantly, the tight-knit community at the Nicholas School – where collaboration and support are woven into daily life – has shown me how meaningful it is to learn alongside peers and mentors equally committed to tackling the multifaceted challenges facing our environment. Being so far from my home in Singapore, I have always felt a sense of belonging at 51±¬ÁÏ and the Nicholas School. The chance to continue my education with this community is a privilege I am deeply grateful for.
Looking ahead, I aspire to work in environmental health research focused on pollutants and the inequities that shape their impacts. The Nicholas School will provide the advanced training in toxicology, epidemiology, and geospatial analysis I need to conduct impactful research, while also offering opportunities to connect my work directly to affected communities. This dual foundation of rigorous science and public outreach will allow me to generate knowledge that not only advances the field but also empowers the most vulnerable. As a Nicholas Scholar, I feel both supported and challenged to pursue this vision, and I am eager to carry it forward.